Foot support



R. E. BOUDON A ril 7, 1970 FOOT SUPPORT 2 Sheets$heet 1 Filed Sept. 13, 1967 FIG.

INVENTOR. F0654? fifiouaa/v April 7, 1970 R. E. BOUDON 3,504,668

FOOT SUPPORT Filed Sept. 13. 1967 2 Sheets-Sheet z FIG-'7 1N VEN TOR.

Bw hiwub m 1mm United States Patent O 3,504,668 FOOT SUPPORT Robert E. Boudon, 579 Corbett St., San Francisco, Calif. 91414 Filed Sept. 13, 1967, Ser. No. 667,408 Int. Cl. A61f 3/00, 13/06 US. Cl. 12880 9 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A generally rigid light weight brace type support for a human foot to compensate for a condition commonly known as drop-foot. The support includes an arch portion which generally surrounds the arch of the foot of the wearer and an upright ankle portion which is to be se cured against the front of the leg of the wearer below the calf. The support is formed from a moldable material, such as fibre glass, covered with an internal cushioning material, such as foam rubber.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the invention This invention relates generally to the field of corrective supporting means for the human foot, and specifically to the field of foot supports or braces to compensate for the condition commonly known as drop foot. Such condition is frequently encountered in the medical field and results in the front or toe portion of a human foot drooping or dragging because of injury to, or incapability of, the leg muscles to control manipulation of the front portion of the foot in the normal manner. Such condition may result from several causes, such as a spinal or back injury, or polio and other diseases, which affect adversely the muscle and nerve control functions of the leg and foot.

This invention particularly relates to a light weight, compact and relatively small size foot support to be engaged with the arch and ankle of the wearer to compensate for the drop-foot condition. The subject support may be worn without requiring a special shoe or auxiliary braces which extend over the calf of the wearer.

Description of the prior art So far as is known, heretofore compensation for the drop-foot condition was effected only by a cumbersome and heavy leg brace support structure which required a special shoe from which rigid upright braces extended along the full length of the lower leg below the knee of the wearer. Such braces were secured above the calf of the wearer just below the knee. The special shoe required in such a brace support included a rigid metal plate, the function of which is to hold up the front or toe portion of the foot to preclude foot drooping or dragging.

The interconnection of such shoe and the plate therein with the rigid braces extending up the leg of the wearer generally accomplished the intended result. However, such prior known brace supports were very cumbersome, heavy, and relatively expensive. Also, and perhaps most importantly, use of such a prior known brace support frequently resulted in circulation problems being created in the leg of the wearer due to the necessity to securely fasten the support above the calf of the wearer. Such secure fastening not uncommonly created serious circulation problems, in the form of phlebitis and related conditions, which produce substantial pain in the leg of the wearer.

In addition, such prior known brace supports restricted the sitting positions of the wearer in that the rigid plate in the special shoe prevents the toes of the wearer from being bent in their normal fashion. Thus, the wearer could not place the lower portion of his leg in other than an upright or straight extended position when seated in a chair or the like. Such a fact further contributed to the discomfort experienced when such a brace support is worn.

While molded structures have been known in the medical field heretofore for protecting various portions of the body, so far as is known, no light weight simple and compact foot support of the type disclosed herein has been devised heretofore. Such supports effectively replace the unsightly, cumbersome and heavy leg brace supports of the type described above, and do so while producing superior results.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a foot support, formed of a light weight generally rigid yet flexible material, which may be formed by molding or the like into a configuration which conforms closely to the contour of the foot and ankle portions of the intended wearer. More particularly, this invention relates to a small, compact and light weight foot support which may be molded from a material, such as fibre glass, to which a cushioning material, such as foam rubber or the like, may be bonded.

Still more particularly, this invention relates to a onepiece foot support, and means for maintaining the same securely in place on the foot of the wearer, which is designed to replace the unsightly, unwieldly, heavy and cumbersome metal type leg brace supports commonly employed in the art heretofore to correct the condition commonly referred to as drop-foot.

The foot support of this invention includes a lower arch portion which substantially surrounds the arch of the foot of the wearer, and an upright ankle portion integral with the arch portion which extends upwardly into contact with the front of the ankle of the wearer below to calf. To maintain the foot support in place, fastening means, preferably separate and removable from the support, is provided which surrounds the ankle portion of the support and the leg of the wearer below the calf. Such fastening means preferably is elastic to permit some give between the support and the ankle of the wearer when the wearer is walking.

The support of this invention is wearable without requiring any special shoe and the wearers normal shoe may be positioned on his foot when the support is in place. The only evidence of the presence of the support may be that the shoe may bulge somewhat due to the presence of the support therein. However, for all practical purposes, the support is hidden from view.

In actual practice it has been found that the subject support, which weighs only a few ounces, effectively replaces the heretofore known and extremely cumbersome leg brace supports, which weigh several pounds. In conjunction with the elimination of such substantial weight and the necessity to secure such known supports to the leg of the wearer above the calf, the circulation and related problems frequently created by the prior known leg brace supports are eliminated by the subject device.

The subject foot support may be made in a simple and inexpensive molding or equivalent manufacturing procedure. As a result, it is comparatively inexpensive to effectively compensate for the drop-foot condition.

From the foregoing it should be understood that objects of this invention include: the provision of an improved foot support to compensate for the condition commonly referred to as drop-foot; the provision of such a foot support which is light weight and relatively inexpensive to produce; the provision of a foot support which eliminates or greatly reduces circulation problems in the leg of the wearer; the provision of a foot support which is substantially unnoticeable when in place and which may be used with standard shoes, including those with or without laces; the provision of a foot support which may be secured to the leg of the wearer below the calf; the provision of a foot support which permits more comfortable sitting positions by the wearer when the support is in place than were possible with prior known supports; and the provision of :a foot support which permits normal toe movement when in place.

These and other objects of this invention will become apparent from a study of the following detailed disclosure in which reference is directed to the appended drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a leg brace type support structure of the type heretofore employed.

FIG. 2 is a right side elevational view of the support of this invention shown in place on the foot of the wearer.

FIG. 3 is a left side elevational view of the subject support showing the same in place.

FIG. 4 is a right side elevational view of the subject support in place showing the same covered by a sock and conventional shoe.

FIG. 5 is a right side elevational view of the support per se.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view thereof.

FIG. 7 is a left side elevational view thereof.

FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view taken in the plane of line 88 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the support.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of preferred means to maintain the support in place around the leg of the wearer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring first to FIG. 1, a cumbersome and heavy leg brace support characteristic of the type heretofore commonly employed in compensating for the drop-foot condition is shown. Such support, generally designated 1, comprises a special shoe 2 having a rigid metal plate (not shown) therein which extends beneath the foot of the wearer within the sole portion of the shoe. To such plate is operatively connected a pair of elongated upright rigid metal braces 3 which extend upwardly along opposite sides of the leg of the wearer from the foot to a location above the calf just below the knee. The metal braces 3 are rigidly connected with the metal plate in the shoe in well-known fashion.

At its top, the braces of the support are connected with a leather or like strap 4 pinned or otherwise suitably secured with the respective braces. Such strap is provided wtih securing means, such as a buckle fastener, and is to be secured above the calf of the wearer just below the knee, as shown. To maintain the braces 3 securely and effectively in place, such strap 4 must be securely fastened above the calf of the wearer. Such tight fastening frequently impedes blood circulation in the lower leg because of the numerous veins and like blood passages which are concentrated just below the knee. Such circulation impediment frequently results in substantial discomfort to the wearer and not uncommonly results in serious circulatory problems, of which phlebitis is typical.

Prior known leg brace supports of the type shown are very cumbersome and quite heavy. Such supports generally weigh several pounds.

In contrast, the compact, comparatively small, and extremely light weight foot support of this invention weighs only a few ounces and effectively produces results obtainable with prior known leg brace supports without producing the disadvantages characteristic thereof. The subject support, designated 6, is shown in FIGS. 2 through 4 positioned in place on the foot of the wearer. The subject support is defined by a one piece body which includes an arch portion 7 and a narrow integral angle portion 8 which extends upwardly from the arch portion a short distance along the front of the ankle of the wearer.

It should be noted that it is not necessary for the foot support of this invention to extend above the calf of the wearer to the vicinity of the knee. As a result, the circulation problems characteristic of prior known leg brace supports are eliminated or substantially minimized while the comfort of the wearer is greatly enhanced because of the light weight and compact nature of the subject support. To maintain the support in place, means is provided to surround the leg of the wearer in the vicinity of the ankle. Such means preferably comprises a separate elastic band, generally designated 9, of the type to be described hereinafter.

As seen in FIG. 4, the subject foot support may be worn with a conventional shoe, designated 11. Such shoe may be the type which includes laces, as shown, or may be the type which requires no laces, such as that commonly referred to as a loafer. As also seen in FIG. 4, the support may be worn directly in contact with the skin of the foot of the wearer so as to be covered by a sock 12 which completely hides its presence. Because the subject support may be hidden beneath a sock and with conventional shoes, the unsightly appearance created by leg brace supports of the type shown in FIG. 1 is completely obviated. It should be understood, of course, that if the wearer prefers to position the support over the sock, he may do so, although for purposes of appearance it is generally preferable to cover the support with a sock.

It will be readily noted from FIGS. 2 and 3 that the subject foot support contacts only the central portion of the foot in the aera of the arch so that separate movement of the toes of the foot is possible in a fashion heretofore not possible with conventional leg brace supports which required a metal plate in the special shoe thereof. Thus, when the wearer of the support is seated, he may draw his leg up beneath him, or he may place the leg in the many other sitting positions commonly chosen by persons unaffected with the drop-foot condition. This, as noted previously, is in direct contrast to the restricted sitting positions forced on the wearer of heretofore known leg brace supports of the type shown in FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIGS 5 through 9, specific details of the subject foot support will be described. As seen in the sectional view of FIG. 8, the support in its preferred embodiment is defined by at least two plies of material, including an outer ply 16 of light weight, high strength material which possesses some flexibility. Fibre glass is characteristic and highly desirable for such use. An inner cushioning ply 17 is bonded to the fibre glass ply. Such inner ply preferably is covered by a thin fabric layer 18. Foam rubber has been found highly effective for the cushioning ply 17 and the fabric layer suitably is nylon or a like material resistant to soiling. In practice, the fibre glass ply will be built up and contoured into the desired shape from a series of fibre glass cloth layers in the manner well known in the fibre glass molding art. The foam rubber layer 17 and the cloth covering layer 18 may be bonded in unitary fashion to each other and to the fibre glass layer in any suitable manner, such as by a suitable moisture resistant adhesive.

As noted previously, the body of the support 6 is defined by two principal portions, namely the arch portion 7 and the generally upright ankle portion 8, which are integral with each other. As seen in FIGS. 6 and 8, the arch portion is generally arcuate in cross-sectional configuration and is formed to conform closely to the arch of the foot of the intended wearer. The arch portion preferably is peripherally discontinuous although it is designed to extend the major portion about the arch of the foot of the wearer. Such discontinuity is effected to impart controlled flexibility to the foot support in the area of the arch.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, it will be noted that the overlying section 21 of the arch portion 7 covers the entire top and left side (inside) of the foot and extends a substantial portion downwardly along the right side (outside) of the foot. A connecting section 22 of the support integrally joins the overlying section 21 with the underlying section 23 of the arch portion. The underlying section 23 is comparatively flat or planar when related to the arcuate overlying portion 21. Section 23, however, it should be understood, is formed to closely conform to the undersurface of the foot to be engaged thereby.

As perhaps best seen in FIGS. and 7, the ankle portion 8 is integrally connected with the arch portion 7 by a gradually curving connecting section 24 which conforms closely to the contour of that portion of the foot which lies between the foot and the ankle when the foot is in the normal position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Ankle portion 8 is of substantially less width than the arch portion 7 and is of sufiicient width and length only to impart the bracing function necessary to generally immovably interconnect the foot and leg of the wearer to preclude dragging of the toe portion of the foot when the wearer is walking. That is, the ankle portion -8, when the same is secured to the ankle as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, prevents the ankle portion fromseparating other than a limited amount from the ankle of the wearer. This in turn maintains the arch portion 7 in the generally horizontal position seen in FIG. 2, so that the toe portion of the foot is prevented from dragging or drooping.

It will be noted that both connecting section 24 and ankle portion 8 are generally concave in cross-sectional contour to conform closely to the contour of the ankle of the wearer of the support.

Because the subject foot support need not be secured to the leg above the calf, circulation problems characteristic of heretofore known leg brace supports are greatly minimized if not completed eliminated. It has further been found that other circulation problems can be obviated by contouring the arch portion 7 of the support in the vicinity of its engagement with the upper and outer portion of the foot by cutting away the portion thereof which overlies such portion of the foot when the support is in place. That is, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 9, the foot support is provided with a concave edge 26 in that area thereof which overlies the top outside portion of the foot. Many veins and other blood passages are found in that area and the special design shown minimizes contact with such passages without adversely affecting the effectiveness of the support. Thus the subject support is in contact with the foot and ankle of the wearer to the minimum extent possible in those areas where circulation problems might result.

The discontinuous arch portion 6 further minimizes circulation problems in that sufficient give is possible between the overlying section 21 and the underlying section 23 thereof to permit flexible movement therebetween when in position around the arch of the foot of the wearer. In this regard, the discontinuity is preferred at the outer portion of the foot .(the right side thereof when applied to a right foot) because of the existence there of blood passages. Also, by having the arch portion continuous on the inside of the foot, better arch support is insured.

While various means could be employed to bind the foot support around the leg of the wearer, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 the elastic means 9 shown herein is preferred because of its separable nature which permits the same to be laundered as required. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, such elastic means comprises a flat elastic band having self-adhering characteristics. That is, the band illustrated has a cloth tufted portion 32 spaced inwardly from one of its ends 34. A fastening portion 33 defines its other end. Such fastening portion comprises numerous short projections, of nylon or like rigid material, which, when overlapped with and engaged with the tufted portion 32, binds the ends of the band together in known fashion, as seen in FIG. 3. Of course, if preferred, a more conventional fastening band of elastic or inelastic material having a buckle or like securing means thereon could be employed.

In any event, the fastening band 9 securely maintains the ankle portion 8 of the foot support in close contact with the front of the ankle of the wearer without unduly restricting the flow of blood between the foot and upper leg of the wearer. During use, the elastic band, depending upon the degree of tightness thereof around the ankle, will permit some slight separation of the ankle portion '8 from the ankle of the wearer during walking, for purposes of comfort without defeating the intended purpose of the support itself.

As noted previously, most preferably, each foot sup port will be tailored most comfortably to satisfy the requirements of the intended wearer. However, it is similarly contemplated that supports of this invention may be produced in quantity for retail marketing in predeterimned sizes, such as small, medium and large, adapted to satisfy the needs of a large segment of the public.

The procedure for producing the subject foot support on an individual or mass basis, is to determine the size of the intended foot by making a cast of the foot or a simulation thereof. Thereafter, the support is formed around the cast by molding fibre glass layers in place therearound. After trimming the mold to the precise configuration desired, the cushioning material is adhesively applied and the support is ready for use by the wearer.

While in the accompanying drawings a support for the right foot is illustrated, it should be understood that a correspondingly contoured support may be utilized for the left foot. In this regard, it should be understood that the discontinuous section of the arch portion 7 of the support preferably lies at the outer side of the foot so that the entire inner arch of the foot is covered by and supported by the support. This relationship has been found to more effectively obviate circulation problems than if the arch portion were peripherally continuous, or if the discontinuous portion thereof were formed along the inner side of the foot.

From the foregoing it should be understood that this invention encompasses a strong, light weight, inexpensive and attractive foot support capable of effectively compensating for a drop-foot condition in a manner which completely eliminates the need for heretofore known heavy, cumbersome and troublesome leg brace type supports.

Having thus made a full disclosure of this invention, reference is directed to the appended claims for a determination of the scope to be afforded thereto.

I claim:

1. A foot support comprising (A) a thin one piece generally rigid molded body defined by (1) a peripherally discontinuous arch portion comprising a curved inside section to be engaged with the inside arch of the foot of the intended wearer thereof, and

(2) an ankle portion integral with said arch portion;

(3) said arch portion being generally elliptical in cross-sectional contour so as to conform closely with the contour of the arch at the inside of the foot of the intended wearer thereof,

(4) said ankle portion extending generally upright from said arch portion for engagement with the ankle of the intended wearer; and

(B) means for releasably securing said ankle portion in engagement with the leg of the intended wearer,

(C) whereby drooping of the front of the foot of the intended wearer may be precluded when said foot support is in place and secured to the leg of the wearer.

2. The foot support of claim 1 in which said ankle portion is of substantially less width than said arch portion so as to extend only along the front portion of the leg of the wearer when said support is in place, and in which (6) said ankle portion is of a length so that the same extends only a limited distance up the leg of the wearer when in place so that said means for releasably securing said support in place may engage the leg of the wearer in the area of the ankle below the calf.

3. The foot support of claim 1 in which said means for releasably securing said ankle portion to the leg of the intended wearer comprises (1) an elastic band separable from said support for surrounding said ankle portion and the leg of the wearer of said support.

4. The foot support of claim 1 in which (5) said arch portion is of a length so that the same generally surrounds only the arch portion of the foot of the wearer so that the heel and toe portions of such foot are free of contact with said support.

5. The foot support of claim 1 in which said body is of at least double-ply construction comprising (5) an outer ply of generally rigid moldable material,

and

(6) an inner ply of cushioning material.

6. A foot support comprising (A) a thin one piece generally rigid molded body defined by (1) an arch portion which is generally elliptical in cross-sectional contour and formed to engage the inside arch of the foot of the intended wearer,

(2) an ankle portion which is generally concave in cross-sectional contour extending upwardly from and inegral with said arch portion, and

(3) a connecting portion which is generally concave in cross-sectional contour interposed between and integrally connecting said arch portion and said ankle portion,

(a) said connecting portion curving gradually upwardly from said arch portion into said ankle portion;

(4) said ankle portion being of relatively short length so that the same may be releasably secured to the front of the leg of the intended wearer of the support in the area below the calf.

7. The foot support of claim 6 which further comprises (B) a releasable elastic band separable from said ankle portion and engageable therewith for securing said ankle portion to the leg of the intended wearer.

8. The foot support of claim 6 in which (5) said arch portion is peripherally discontinuous whereby controlled flexibility is imparted thereto,

(6) said discontinuity being formed in said arch portion so that the outer side of the foot of the intended wearer is free of engagement with said support,

('7) said arch portion otherwise conforming closely with the contour of the arch of the foot of the intended wearer.

9. The foot support of claim 6 in which (5) said connecting portion is cut away in the area thereof which overlies the upper and outer portion of the foot of the intended wearer, so that circulation in such foot portion will not be impaired by engagement with said support.

References Cited FOREIGN PATENTS 73 9,111 10/1955 Great Britain. 308,921 1/1918 Germany.

RICHARD A. GAUDET, Primary Examiner J. D. YASKO, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 

